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A sign at Anchorage’s Service High School, seen on Aug. 13, 2024, explains that tobacco use is prohibited at the property. High school students’ use of electronic cigarettes has declined since 2019, one of the positive trends emerging from the latest Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Survey of Alaska youth reveals more mental health problems, but also some positive trends

More anxiety and suicidal thoughts, but less use of harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.

A sign at Anchorage’s Service High School, seen on Aug. 13, 2024, explains that tobacco use is prohibited at the property. High school students’ use of electronic cigarettes has declined since 2019, one of the positive trends emerging from the latest Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska National Guard members spend time with Tia, a certified National Crisis Response canine visiting Juneau from Anchorage to offer support at the Melvin Park volunteer disaster center on Wednesday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Volunteer center at Melvin Park receives additional support, including a visit from crisis canines

New resources available through Friday, including some with wagging tails.

Alaska National Guard members spend time with Tia, a certified National Crisis Response canine visiting Juneau from Anchorage to offer support at the Melvin Park volunteer disaster center on Wednesday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Families, students and teachers mingle during a Thunder Mountain Middle School open house on Tuesday evening. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Thunder Mountain Middle School creates new learning environment while honoring legacies before its time

Merging the cultures of Floyd Dryden and Dzantik’i Heeni to create a new school.

Families, students and teachers mingle during a Thunder Mountain Middle School open house on Tuesday evening. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Craig Cimmons, scheduled to become the new general manager of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Sept. 30, is interviewed by the Juneau Assembly on Aug 2. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

New Eaglecrest Ski Area general manager has lots of experience with bumpy terrain

Craig Cimmons, a manager at resort hit by massive owner fraud, says recovery made employees stronger

Craig Cimmons, scheduled to become the new general manager of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Sept. 30, is interviewed by the Juneau Assembly on Aug 2. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)

51-unit low-income apartment for people recovering from substance abuse gets OK from Planning Commission

Lemon Creek facility would be first phase in expansion of Gastineau Human Services programs.

A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)
The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)

It’s official: Private icebreaker acquired by Coast Guard will be homeported in Juneau

Vessel with up to 190 personnel expected to “reach initial operational capability in two years.”

The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Monday, Aug. 12, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)

Survival of world’s oldest humpback whale, spotted in Southeast Alaska last month, is a mystery

Male known as “Old Timer” is now at least 53 years old, according to marine mammal researcher.

  • Aug 14, 2024
  • By Emily Anthes, © 2024 The New York Times Company
  • Whales
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)
Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Peltola still holds fundraising cash advantage in U.S. House race, new figures show

Ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 primary election, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola continues to hold a fundraising advantage against her 11 competitors, new filings… Continue reading

Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Rising cases of ‘whooping cough’ in Alaska prompt warnings and prevention recommendations

A spike in pertussis, a contagious disease commonly known as whooping cough, has swept through Alaska, the state Department of Health reported. Through the end… Continue reading

Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Songs of sadness, anger and hope at memorial show for Steven Kissack that raises more than $4,600

More than 100 people attend fundraiser seeking to benefit homeless, other disadvantaged residents.

Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Back to one high school: Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé combines TMHS and JDHS students

The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Thursday; some excited, some stressed.

Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Two Disaster Assistance Centers for people affected by record floods open Wednesday through Friday

Updated official survey of 287 flooded homes reports 51 sustained major damage.

Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s new municipal attorney already has plenty of experience with the duties of the job

CBJ Assistant Attorney Emily Wright hired to replace departing Robert Palmer later this month.

Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by a record flood to a delegation of leaders on Sunday including (from left in foreground) Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority President Jacqueline Pata, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Tlingit and Haida Tribal Emergency Operations Center Incident Commander Sabrina Grubitz, and Juneau state Rep. Sara Hannan. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Peltola, visiting homes where flood recovery efforts are underway, says FEMA aid request may be difficult

New estimate of nearly 300 homes damaged qualifies as a disaster, but agency’s funding limited, she says.

Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by a record flood to a delegation of leaders on Sunday including (from left in foreground) Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority President Jacqueline Pata, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Tlingit and Haida Tribal Emergency Operations Center Incident Commander Sabrina Grubitz, and Juneau state Rep. Sara Hannan. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A ballot and instructions for the 2024 Alaska primary election are seen on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Beacon voter guide: Answers to 15 questions by legislative, U.S. House candidates

Alaskans voting in the Aug. 20 primary election again have a resource to learn where the candidates stand on a wide range of issues: the… Continue reading

A ballot and instructions for the 2024 Alaska primary election are seen on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Poll workers set up an early voting statiion in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska’s pre-primary election turnout is down from extraordinary 2022 and 2020 primaries

Voter turnout ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 primary election is down from the past two elections but is running ahead of what it was in… Continue reading

Poll workers set up an early voting statiion in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Yago Jacob of Napaskiak, one of the Calista Corp. shareholders employed at the Donlin Gold project, holds up a sliced piece of a geological core on Aug. 11, 2022. Calista is the Native corporation that owns the mineral rights at the mine project. Donlin is one of eight large mine projects listed in a new report as being near development or in advanced exploration. Seven large Alaska mines currently are producing. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Economic impacts of mining in Alaska include wages, taxes and career training, report says

Alaska’s mining industry supported 11,800 jobs and $1.1 billion in total wages in 2023, according to a report commissioned by the Alaska Miners Association and… Continue reading

Yago Jacob of Napaskiak, one of the Calista Corp. shareholders employed at the Donlin Gold project, holds up a sliced piece of a geological core on Aug. 11, 2022. Calista is the Native corporation that owns the mineral rights at the mine project. Donlin is one of eight large mine projects listed in a new report as being near development or in advanced exploration. Seven large Alaska mines currently are producing. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)